Lawsuit to Close Facility Dismissed

A federal District Court Judge dismissed a lawsuit initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the state of Arkansas in which DOJ alleged that a facility for 500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including school-age children, should be shut down. DOJ alleged that the Conway Human Development Center provided substandard care and failed to transition residents into more integrated community-based settings. DOJ went so far as allege that the center was deadly for residents whose life expectancy was significantly less than individuals in similar facilities. The judge ruled that the center is not meeting all of the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but that the state is responsible for enforcing IDEA. The judge said that DOJ failed to show that the care at the facility was inappropriate. DOJ has not indicated whether or not it will appeal the decision. To read the ruling, view the PDF on the Disability Rights Center of Arkansas website.